Sunday's games, in particular, seemed to draw big crowds due to Coborn's Kids Day. Another promotion, "Eric Decker Bobblehead Night," also drew a lot of attention from the area, and from the media.

"That all adds to it," Schreiner said. "The fireworks were always big for us on Friday nights, too. We had six of those this summer. Our Sunday crowds were just fantastic. We had some neat promotions for kids.

"I think there were a bunch of different positive factors that all added up to more fans coming out."

Schreiner said concession and merchandise sales were up this summer because of the increased attendance.

Those numbers haven't been finalized yet.

Disappointment

Schreiner knows there was disappointment in not making the playoffs, especially with how talented the Rox were.

St. Cloud boasted one of the top pitchers in the league in Reese Gregory (St. Cloud State) and it had its two-time MVP back in Chris Paul.

"This was a team of streaks this year," Schreiner said. "It's a tough league and only four teams get in the playoffs. There's a lot of talent all around it. We need to keep bringing in the best talent we can. Sometimes it takes luck. We were very competitive with this team.

"There were a few games we wish we could have back, but a lot of people are in the same boat as us."

NWL expansion

Schreiner wouldn't be surprised if the Northwoods expanded from 18 to 20 teams as soon as next season. The league will have its annual meetings in October in Kenosha, Wisconsin.

The NWL passed the 1 million mark in attendance this year for the first time thanks to the two new expansion teams (Lakeshore and Kalamazoo).

More teams in Michigan and North Dakota could be possible in the future.

"It wouldn't surprise me at all to see expansion. There are enough players out there for the league," Schreiner said. "The last time I looked, there were 395 Division I baseball teams in the country. Players want to come here. Finding them isn't an issue.

"It makes sense for us from a divisional standpoint. It makes sense to have an even number on both sides instead of nine on both."

Future plans

It's possible the Rox could put their name in the hat to host the league's All-Star game in the future. There hasn't been an All-Star game hosted by a North Division team since 2009 in Thunder Bay.

"There's some interest from us on that," Schreiner said. "We would love to host it for the Central Minnesota fans. That's my motivation on that more than anything. It's become such a big event. There are usually more than 100 MLB scouts in attendance. Seeing that alone is pretty cool."

Schreiner said the team is in talks about bringing manager Augie Rodriguez back for a fourth season. Rodriguez's record has improved every season that he's been in St. Cloud.

"We're looking at his contract and seeing what we can work out," Schreiner said. "He's gotten better every year and the players respect him. He's a player's coach. The fans and front office have grown to love him."

This is the opinion of Times sports writer Andy Rennecke. Contact him at 255-8735 or arennecke@stcloudtimes.com. Follow him on Twitter @AndyRennecke. Join him for a live chat from 2-3 p.m. on Monday at www.sctimes.com.